Vienna followed Tristan slowly and found herself in the billiard room. Tristan quickly grabbed the balls ans set them up. He picked up two billiard sticks and handed one to her " Here you go... Ladies first. Do you know the rules."

Vienna smiled shyly and took the billiard stick " I know abit. I try..." she then took her position next to the billiard table and took aim.

Tristan wanted to pinch himself to check if he was dreaming. Here she was bending over the billiard table in her small figure. He watched her with admiration. She just effortlessly carried herself with so much dignity and elegance.

Vienna pulled the billiard stick backwards and hit the ball. She then walked around the table to take aim again.

Tristan couldn't get enough of watching her. She was so beautiful and as she walked around the room it looked like she floated around. But she didn't know how to play billiard.

Tristan offered " You take the next shot too.... would you mind if I teach you how to hit a ball?"

Vienna shrugged " Teach me...."

Something about that simple short sentence turned him on. Vienna made his heart jump in excitement even by those two words. He didn't even know why. She just gave him permission to get closer.

Tristan smiled and walked to Vienna. He stood behind her and whispered " May I?" He then gently touched her hands and positioned them differently on the billiard stick.

Vienna trembled at his touch. He was so gentle. Such a muscular brick wall was capable of having such delicate soft touch.

Tristan whispered " Lean closer and relax. Bend forward slightly... now stop." He then gently pulled the billiard stick backwards as he had his hands over hers on the stick.

Vienna felt breathless. She was conscious of his closeness. He was right behind her and they were inches apart. His warm touch somehow was calming as well as unsettling as she was feeling nervous.

As the billiard stick hit the ball, Vienna gasped as she scored.

Tristan let go along her and stepped away " See. It's not that hard. Try by yourself and remember the posture I taught you."

As Tristan stepped away Vienna missed his touch. She felt like he was like a wall to lean on. He was one to count on. She tried hitting the next ball. It it didn't work.

It was Tristan's turn. He took aim and scored consecutively.

Vienna gasped as he hit so many halls that he reached the point where the black ball and the white ball were left.

Vienna was watching intently " You are so good at this..."

As Tristan took position to score he looked at her " I don't have a choice... I have to be...."

She couldn't explain why but she looked at him in different light at that moment. Something felt heavy in his words. Vienna was aware of the weight of responsibility and pressure on his shoulders. He was a first born heir. He had to be the best in everything that he could be. He wasn't allowed to display weakness. He didn't have the luxury. So he never showed any signs of being under the pressure.

As the meaning behind his words sank in, she could feel it. He gave nothing away but the look in his eyes and his words reminded Vienna of who he was destined to become and he didn't have any say in the matter. There were people above Tristan who chose what he could be and he couldn't be just like how Vincenzo was treated. She couldn't say she felt sorry for him because Tristan didn't sound bothered and didn't act like he was not coping or crumbling under pressure but she felt his loneliness and it squeezed her heart. Tristan was lonely in his world. He was one of the alpha males, a strong character in his school. He had everything. Good grades. Supportive siblings. Star athlete. But he was lonely and she could feel it without him saying it.

Tristan hit the ball and then straightened up as he stated at Vienna. " Another round?"

Vienna felt like walking to him and giving him a hug and she couldn't explain why she felt that way. She cared for him no matter how much she tried to deny it.

Tristan raised an eyebrow " So ... do you want to play another round? Or you are going back?"

Vienna came out of her thoughts and blushed at what she was thinking. She realised he had asked a question and she hadn't answered. She took a deep breath " I ... I don't mind .... But don't you want to go back? It's your grandfather's party."

Tristan chuckled. This was no party. This was not even close to a party. This was a business event. A meeting was to take place in an hour while the party went on. That was the main aim of this whole event or rather masquerade but didn't say that out loud. He walked closer to Vienna " I prefer your company to everyone else's Vienna ... You should know that ... But there is a reason I want to play another round."

Vienna watched him put down his billiard stick and then collecting the balls from the billiard table. He then got on with setting the balls up in a triangle. It gave Vienna time to just look at him. He was really handsome. Everything about him was perfection.

Tristan turned around and spoke " Ladies first" as he picked up his billiard stick.

It felt easier for Vienna to talk to him. Maybe it was because they were playing and she kept glancing away from his intense stare. As she took aim and hit the ball to the triangle, she asked " What is the other reason you want to stay in this room?" She walked around the table and hit the next ball. But she didn't score. She glanced up " Your turn." She saw Tristan leaning to the back of a two seater sofa. He didn't seem like he was interested in taking his turn.

Tristan stated "Vienna... I don't know how much you know about tonight.... Do you know what is going on?"

Vienna put down her billiard stick at the edge of the table and looked up " I don't know how you mean. This is a party... Isn't it?"

Tristan nodded " It is but that's not all. I am not sure if your father wants you to know this but the business trip your father talked about is different to his past trips. It's going to be a team effort this time. It would be more serious... This time round his trip will take longer and your brothers will go with him... I and Trent will go too with our father... We may or may not return after this weekend for a long time...."

Vienna gasped " When will my father return?... When will you return?"

Tristan stated " Weeks later. I would be back for the final week of term to take the exams ... I know I may have to take all exams in a day or two.... and for the prom, I will be back... I promise.... You shouldn't worry Vienna. It will be alright... Your uncle Costanzo and uncle Antonio will be taking turns to take care of everything you need at your compound. My mother is also around so if you needed anything you can call her....Come on don't look so worried..."

Vienna took a few steps closer to him and looked into his eyes " How had is it? Tell me his bad is it going to be? Is my father going to ... get hurt?...." she then swallowed hard.

Tristan shook his head " He will be fine... I didn't say this to worry you Vienna. Your father would explain to you what he wishes after the meeting... Your father won't be alone... Your uncle Arturo is also involved with some allies in Italy... There is an enemy out there that needs to be taken care of... Don't worry... I just told you this because you asked me why I didn't want to leave this room ... I cherish every minute with you. After the sleepover at my family home this weekend, I may not see you for weeks. So I want to make the most of it.

Vienna looked troubled.

Tristan looked concerned " Are you alright?"

Vienna swallowed the lump in her throat... She fought back tears. She didn't want to cry. Her father had taught her not to. He always told her she was a Rosario, she had nothing to fear, she never needed to cry. It was true. She hardly ever cried. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself but couldn't. She shook visibly.

Tristan breathed " Vienna.... It will be alright... Do you want a glass of water?." He took a step closer to her wanting to hug her but wasn't sure if she minded. He couldn't take it any more. He told the truth " Vienna... Do you know how much it kills me when I watch you in pain and I am not even allowed to hold you... I so badly want to hold you... To take care of you... To touch you when I see you like this but I can't ... " Tristan hadn't even finished and then to his shock and delight, Vienna wrapped her arms around his shoulders and buried her face in his chest. She silenced him with her reaction.

Vienna whispered " I am scared."

Of course Tristan slowly wrapped his arm around her. He had dreamt of this moment for years but he never wanted to see her distressed. His dreams were almost true. He wanted her to lean on him, to rely on him, to trust him enough to wrap her arms around her. It felt like a dream but he wished she wasn't so distressed. She was shaking. He whispered " Vienna..." He was finding it hard to form sentences. It didn't seem real. Here she was touching him. Here she was hugging him tightly not afraid of him... Maybe the idea of the business trip had brought them closer.

Vienna didn't even know what had come over her. She needed to him to comfort her but also wanted to comfort him. She needed his words to calm her and she wanted him to know that she felt the same way about him. As seconds went by in silence as Tristan just rubbed circles on her back she realised what she had done. She gulped and pulled away " Sorry about this..." She untangled her hands from his shoulders but he didn't let go of her waist.

Tristan took a deep breath " Why do you say sorry for?" He then thought to himself " You just created the best memory of my life for me and you say sorry? You are welcome to my arms any time...."

She blushed and looked away as she noticed he was giving her a loving look. She bit her lip " We must go back...."

Tristan sighed and let go of her reluctantly. He took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips. He planted a kiss on top of her hand making her look up. He then let her hand down and let go " I know you try to avoid me... But I will be waiting until the day you get more comfortable around me." He then walked away to the door. He opened the door and turned to Vienna " We go. If that's what you want. I just memorise this moment because I won't see you for the next few weeks most likely."

Vienna shyly walked to the door and sadly smiled at him. She walked out and as Tristan closed the door behind them, Vienna froze seeing her father st the end of the corridor.

On his way coming back from the bathroom Francesco spotted his daughter leaving a room with Tristan... He almost tripped over. Was this real? His daughter even didn't glance at boys let alone spend time alone with them in a room. When had this happened? Was this young man serious chasing his daughter under his watch ? He knew that a talk with the young man was long over due.

Francesco addresses his daughter as he walked to the youngsters who just noticed him walking down the corridor " Princess, why don't you go back to the party and sit with your mother for a while. I just want the young man here to show me his grandpa Gabriel's weapon collection."

Tristan and Vienna stood there stiffly watching Francesco approach them. Vienna looked at Tristan who smiled at her " See you later."

Vienna complied and left as she gave glances back at his father who was staring down Tristan " Young man, show the way."

Tristan nodded and lead the way " Sure sir. Follow me please." After walking through corridors, Tristan reached a room and opened the door. He entered and Francesco entered after him.

Francesco had been in this room a long time ago. It was a circular shaped room that was bomb proof and bullet proof. The weapons were displayed behind the glasses that were unbreakable. He started walking around the room looking at the walls as he put his hands behinds his back. He looked at the walls. There were portraits in the room. He frowned at picture of Gabriel Giovanni and Francesco's father, Paulo Rosario. It was from a hunting trip and one from days in college. There were other portraits of his family and even Francesco alongside Costanzo were in some portraits.

Francesco turned to Tristan " Its quite interesting to see that your grandpa has portraits of my father here but no portrait from your father in this room." He wondered if the young mans loyalties truly lied with his father or his grandfather.

Tristan leaned to the table in the middle of the room and stated " Well, my grandfather doesn't like to be reminded of his failures."

Francesco chuckled as he walked closer to Tristan. He stood towering in front of him as Tristan didn't break his stare. Francesco asked " In what way is your father considered one of his failures?"

Tristan stated " He is untouchable. He is the only Irish who can get away with insulting my grandfather at meal times. My grandfather wishes my father was a weaker man who doesnt bow to him. My grandfather wants a son in law that he doesn't need to negotiate at Christmas time with if his grandkids will join him or the O'Neil table. Too many reasons to count ... sir...."

Francesco stated " I can't see how his grandfather has failed. It's the wish of every father to see their daughter marry a man of honour who can take care of their family. I would say your mothers marriage to your father is a great success. Does your grandfather really think your mother could achieve what she has without your father's influence? I don't dispute your mother's competency. She could succeed but not to this level... Your  grandfather seems to underestimate your father with all years of experience. I would say it is his pride getting in the way. What do you say, son?"

Tristan contemplated on his answer and tried to word it carefully " I would like to ask you to forgive me if I dispute your statement in any way but ... I am a firm believer that behind every strong man there is a strong woman also. My parents are a team... what they achieve is not to their full potential unless they work together... They have achieved so much because they are together..."

Francesco asked " Interesting theory... It depends on what you define as achievement. I wonder if your definition would match mine. What have they achieved son? What have your parents achieved that you would like to achieve yourself?"

Tristan stated " They work hard... They have a good marriage I guess...."

Francesco asked sharply "You think thats an achievement by itself. Do you?"

Tristan took a shaky breath. He reminded himself who he was talking to. Francesco knew what he was talking about. Tristan had heard from his father about Francesco's parents' failed marriage and how custody of Francesco and his brother had gone to the wrong parent after a messy divorce... He knew Francesco was sensitive about this topic... He knew marriage was no achievement... But he needed to make sure he made it clear.

Tristan cleared his throat and spoke carefully "Sir, you misunderstood.... I didnt get to finish my sentence.... My parents have children and I would like to think my siblings know value of honour and loyalty because of our upbringing... Thats an achievement.  My parents have managed to protect their family at all costs... Even with great sacrifices. My father gave up his favourite subjects to study what mattered to his business and he sacrificed much more too.... . My mother had her fair share of challenges as being one of the few females in her college course and also her business boardroom.... I think their key achievement is raising honourable children and protecting their family  at any cost fighting hard to give me and my siblings a life they couldnt dream of and letting us dream big making us be kind of people who can achieve."

Francesco asked " Let me ask you this Tristan.... Not every woman is your mother and as strong and ... offensive. What would you call achievement in a life with a woman who is not anything like your mother? Would you remain loyal to her?"

Tristan did not like this question and Francesco sensed it. Tristan tensed up and his expression became hard. He spoke in a cold but promising tone "I will take care of my woman. I will be honourable and remain  faithful to my woman until I take my last breath. I would worship the ground she walks on. As long as I am alive she wont need to worry about anything. I dont admire my mother for her strong personality or strength in business... I admire her for dedicating her life to her children and being there and for defying her family, by remaining faithful to my father and believing in him to keep her and her children safe.... I would want my woman to be there and have faith in me... That is all... Sir, if you were anyone else I would have put a bullet between your eyes for asking me such outrageous question."